Roles of climate and tectonics in shaping the middle reach of the Yarlung River since the mid-Miocene

We report low-temperature thermochronometry and thermal-kinematic models for samples of Yarlung River. Two stages of accelerated exhumation occurred in different parts of the middle reach of the Yarlung River. Mid-Miocene rapid exhumation of wide valley and its tributaries was related to enhanced precipitation, while Pliocene-Pleistocene accelerated exhumation of gorges was associated with north-south normal faulting. Our results highlight roles of climatic and tectonic processes in shaping topography change with time.